Photographic film processing material

ABSTRACT

A PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM PROCESSING MATERIAL WHICH COMPRISES A SORBENT COMPRESSIBLE MATRIX WITH AN APPLICATOR SURFACE T CONTACT EXPOSED FILM. THE APPLICATOR SURFACE HAS BEEN PORES COMMUNICATING WITH INTERIOR PORTIONS OF THE MATRIX WHERE A VISCOUS LIQUID PHOTOPROCESSING REAGENT IS IMPREGNATED INTO THE MATRIX. THE MATRIX HAS A BOUNDARY LAYER DISPOSED BETWEEN THE INTERIOR PORTION AND THE APPLICATOR SURFACE WHICH IS SUBSTANTIALLY FREE OF PROCESSING REAGENT. PROCESSING IS ACCOMPLISHED BY CONTACTING THE APPLICATOR SURFACE WITH THE EXPOSED FILM SURFACE AND APPLYING PRESSURE THERETO WHICH FORCES THE PROCESSIGN REAGENT FROM THE MATRIX AND ONTO THE FILM.

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I'IIIIIII United States Patent 3,572,232 PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM PROCESSINGMATERIAL Alvin Cronig, Lexington, Mass., assignor to Itek Corporation,Lexington, Mass. Filed Apr. 1, 1968, Ser. No. 717,647 Int. Cl. G03d 9/00U.S. C]. 9589 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A photographic filmprocessing material which comprises a sorbent compressible matrix withan applicator surface to contact exposed film. The applicator surfacehas open pores communicating with interior portions of the matrix wherea viscous liquid photoprocessing reagent is impregnated into the matrix.The matrix has a boundary layer disposed between the interior portionand the applicator surface which is substantially free of processingreagent. Processing is accomplished by contacting the applicator surfacewith the exposed film surface and applying pressure thereto which forcesthe processing reagent from the matrix and onto the film.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a methodand apparatus for photographic film processing and, more particularly,relates to a method and apparatus for photographic film according toviscous techniques.

Viscous processing involves the application to an exposed film surfaceof a liquid processing reagent to which a suitable thickening agent hasbeen added. Conventionally, viscous processing systems are classifiedaccording to the viscosity of the reagents used as low viscosity systems(zero-1,000 centipoises), middle viscosity systems (1,000 10,000centipoises), and high viscosity systems (10,000- centipoises). Sinceits introduction, viscous processing has experienced substantialcommercial acceptance, particularly in special processing applicationssuch as airborne systems. The major benefit of viscous systems is theelimination of requirements for processing reagent replenishment and areduction in the requirements for control and delivery hardware. Also,since no agitation is required in a viscous system, a higher degree ofprocessing uniformity can be obtained than with non-viscous techniques.

Despite the numerous advantages of viscous processing, certain problemsassociated with existing systems have somewhat limited its growth. Forexample, presently available viscous reagents are expensive compared toconventional liquid reagents. Also, viscous reagents having a viscositybelow the solid level entail to some degree the same applicationproblems experienced with liquid processing reagents. Thus, existingapplicators for viscous systems include relatively expensive equipmentsuch as feed pumps, delivery hardware temperature controllers, etc.which must be built according to relatively close tolerances if highprocessing uniformity is to be obtained.

The object of this invention, therefore, is to provide an improvedviscous processing method and apparatus wherein storage, delivery andapplication of the processing reagent are substantially simplified.

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INVENTION The invention is characterizedprimarily by the provision of a processing reagent applicator comprisinga sorbent, compressible matrix impregnated with a fluid photo-processingreagent and possessing an open pored applicator surface. After movingthe applicator surface into contact with an exposed photographic film,compression of the impregnated matrix forces the fluid photo- Seeprocessing reagent out through the open pores onto the film surface. Anapplicator of this type greatly simplifies both storage and applicationof a processing reagent.

An important feature of the invention is the provision of an applicatorof the above type wherein the matrix is an elongated strip having frontand rear surfaces and wound in a cylindrical roll. This applicatormatrix is iiiliited especially for the continuous processing of rollAnother feature of the invention is the provision of an applicator ofthe above types wherein the fluid photoprocessing reagent has aviscosity greater than 1,000 centipoises. In this arrangement, a mediumor high viscosity processing reagent is impregnated and retained withinrestricted regions of the matrix, thereby simplifying storage of theapplicator strip.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of an applicator ofthe above featured type wherein the matrix strip includes, adjacent bothits front and rear surfaces, boundary layer portions substantially freeof the fluid photoprocessing reagent. By providing fluid free boundaryportions, undesirable stickiness of the applicator surfaces prior tocompression of the matrix is avoided.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of an applicator ofthe above featured types wherein the matrix strip is enclosed on threesides by a non-compressible flexible band having a bottom wallsupporting the rear surface of the strip and side walls covering theedges thereof. The non-compressible support band prevents inadvertentcompression of the applicator matrix prior to unwinding and engagementof the strip with a roll film being processed.

The invention is characterized further by the provision of a filmprocessing method wherein an open pored applicator surface of a fluidprocessing reagent impregnated matrix is brought into contact with thesurface of exposed film and the matrix compressed forcing processingreagent through the open pores of the applicator surface and onto theexposed film surface. This method simplifies the manner in whichprocessing reagent is applied to ex posed film.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a method of theabove type wherein the matrix is compressed by applying pressure betweenthe contacting matrix and exposed film and the applied pressure includesa force component parallel to the film surface. According to thismethod, the applied processing reagent is spread over the surface of thefilm and uniform processing is insured.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a method of theabove featured type wherein both the applicator matrix and film areelongated strips fed from separate rolls between closely adjacent rollermembers. The spacing between the roller members is such as to producethe desired compression of the matrix strip and a resultant discharge ofthe contained reagent.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more apparent upon a perusal of the following specification takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial side view of an elongated processing reagentapplicator strip embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the strip shown in FIG. 1 takenalong the lines 22;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of processing apparatus suitable for use withthe strip shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of another applicator strip embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator strip shown in FIG. 4taken along the lines 55;

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of another applicator strip embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator strip shown in FIG. 6taken along lines 77;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of processing apparatus suitable for use withthe applicator strip shown in FIGS. 6 and 7; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of processing apparatus suitable forpracticing another processing method of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and '2, there is shown a portion of the matrix15 formed by an elongated strip of sorbent, compressible material. Theopen pored matrix strip 15 includes the rear surface '16 and the frontor applicator surface 17. Impregnated in the central portion of thematrix 15 is a quantity of fluid processing reagent 18. Straddling thereagent filled central region of the matrix 15 and directly adjacent thefront 17 and rear 16 surfaces thereof are the matrix boundary layers 19and 21 which are substantially free of fluid reagent.

In a typical example, the matrix 15 is formed of open pored, reticulatedpolyurethane foam having a thickness of about A; inch, a width wcorresponding to the width of the film strip being processed andapproximately 110 pores per square inch. It is desirable that theprocessing reagent 18 have a viscosity of at least 1,000 centipoises(cps.) and preferably of about 10, 00 cps. The relatively high viscosityenhances the locational stability of the reagent within the matrix 15.The reagent can comprise a conventional liquid processing reagent towhich a suitable thickener has been added to establish the properviscosity. Examples of suitable thickeners include, for example, naturaland synthetic polysacchrides, enzymes, starches, thermoplastic andthermosetting acrylic resins, etc.

According to one method, the matrix is prepared by passing the surface'17 by a reagent supply nozzle (not shown) that forces the reagent 18into the matrix to a depth determined by the desired thickness of thelower boundary level 21. This depth is established by controlling thedischarge pressure of the fluid reagent and/or the contact pressurebetween the nozzle and the surface 17. The impregnated matrix 15 then ispassed into contact with a doctor blade (not shown) that penetrates thesurface 17 to a depth desired for the upper boundary layer 19. In thisway reagent is removed from the upper boundary layer 19 leaving bothupper 19 and lower 21 boundary layers substantially free of reagent 18.

FIG. .3 schematically illustrates process apparatus utilizing theapplicator strip shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The matrix strip 15 is wound inthe roll 22 which is mounted for rotation in enclosure Because of thereagent free boundary layers 19 and 21, the individual layers of reagent18 within the roll 22 are isolated from each other. Thus, undesirablesticking of the contacting front and rear surfaces '16 and 17 isprevented. Prior to use, the roll 22 is preferably retained in asuitable hermetically sealed container to prevent oxidation of theimpregnated reagent 18. Also rotatably mounted within the enclosure 20is the roll of film 23 to be processed. Both the matrix strip 15 and thefilm 24 are passed between the adjacent roller members 25 and 26' andonto, respectively, the matrix strip takeup reel 27 and the film striptakeup reel 28.

The spacing between the roller members 25 and 26 is such as to producepressurecontact between the applicator surface 17 and the film strip 24.The resultant compression of the matrix strip 15 forces the fluidreagent 18 out of the open pores in the applicator surface 17 and ontothe surface of the film strip 24. The roller members 25 and 26 alsoexert a tangential force which tends to deform the compressible matrixstrip 15 slightly in a direction parallel to the surface of the filmstrip 24. This slight movement of the applicator surface 17 with respectto the adjacent film strip 24 spreads the discharged reagent '1'8 evenlyover the surface of the film strip 24 thereby insuring uniformprocessing.

Thus, the present invention provides a reagent applicator and processingmethod that permit, without expensive equipment, the controlledapplication of film processing reagent. It will be appreciated that theapplicator and method are uniquely suited for viscous processing ofcontinuous film strips. In addition, the reagent impregnated matrixstrip 15 alleviates problems related to storage of the processingreagent prior to its use.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show another embodiment of the invention comprising theelongated matrix strip 311 impregnated with a fluid processing reagent32. The strip 31 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except thatthe reagent free boundary layers 19 and 21 are eliminated. In thisembodiment, the matrix strip 31 is retained by the elongated supportband 33 having the bottom wall 34 that supports the rear surface 35 ofthe strip 31. The support band 34 also possesses side walls 36 whichcover the edges 37 of the matrix strip .31. Thus, all surfaces of thestrip 31 with the exception of the open pored applicator surface 38 arecovered by the support band 33 which is formed of a suitable flexible,non-compressible substance such as Mylar or similar polyester material.

The applicator strip 31 is preferably used with processing equipment ofthe type shown in FIG. 3 and in the manner described above. However, thespacing d between the bands side walls 36 must be greater than thewidths of both the film strip being processed and the upper rollermember 25 allowing them to project into the cavity formed by the supportband 33 and compress the matrix 31. An advantage of this embodiment isthat when wound into a cylindrical roll for storage the upper edges ofthe side walls 36 seat against the adjacent bottom wall 34 therebypreventing inadvertent compression of the retained matrix 31.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is similar to that shown in FIGS.1 and 2 except that the matrix strip 41 possesses only one boundarylayer 43 free of fluid processing reagent 42. Covering the applicatorsurface 45 is the spacer sheet 46 which serves the same function as theadditional boundary layer shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2,i.e. to isolate separate layers of the reagent 42 when the matrix strip41 is wound into a cylindrical roll for storage.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates processing apparatus suitable for usewith the applicator embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7. As above, the elongatedmatrix strip 41 is fed from a roll 52 into contact with a film strip 53between the pressure roller members 54 and 55. Takeup of the matrix 41and film strip 53 are provided, respectively, by the takeup reels 56 and57. As the matrix strip 41 is unwound from the roll 52, the spacer sheet46 is removed and accumulated on the takeup reel 58. During movement ofthe matrix strip 41 between the roller members 54 and 55, compression ofthe matrix strip 41 and application of fluid reagent 42 to the filmstrip 53 occurs as described above.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates another processing method wherein thematrix strip shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used to simultaneously processtwo separate film strips. As shown, the matrix strip 15 is fed from aroll 61 between the pressure roller members 62 and 63 and onto thetakeup reel 64. Simultaneously, separate film strips 65 and 66 are fedbetween the roller members 62 and 63 on opposite sides of the matrixstrip 15 before takeup by the takeup reels 67 and 68. Compression of thematrix strip 15 occurs as described above in connection with FIG. 3.However, in this case, fluid processing reagent 18 impregnated withinthe matrix strip 15 is forced out of the matrix strip 15 through bothfront and rear surfaces 16 and 17 and into contact with both film strips65 and 66. Thus, simultaneous processing of two separate film strips isobtained with a single processing reagent applicator strip 15.

Although the invention is particularly well suited for continuousprocessing of roll film, the described viscous reagent impregnatedapplicator matrices can be used also for batch processing of separatefilm frames. For that application, a separate sheet of impregnatedapplicator matrix and a film frame to be processed are brought intosurface contact and passed between a pair of pressure rollers thatproduce the desirable reagent spreading described above. It should beappreciated, however, that spreading of the applied reagent over thesurface of the film can be produced in other ways. For example only, animpregnated matrix strip and a film strip being processed can be fed atdifferent linear speeds between a pair of stationary pressureapplicators (not shown). The different linear speeds produce relativemovement between the matrix strip and film strip in a direction parallelthereto so as to produce the desired spreading of reagent fluid.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims the inventioncan be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. A photographic film processing material comprising a sorbentcompressible matrix having a front applicator surface and a backsurface, said applicator surface being adapted to contact the exposedsurface of photographic film, and said applicator surface having openpores communicating with the interior portions of said matrix, and aviscous liquid photoprocessing reagent impregnated in the interiorportions of said matrix and adapted for discharge through said openpores in response to compression of said matrix, said viscous liquidprocessing reagent having a viscosity of at least 1,000 centipoises,said matrix also having therein a boundary layer portion substantiallyfree of said liquid photoprocessing reagent and being located betweenone of its surfaces and the interior portions of said matrix whichcontain the viscous liquid photoprocessing reagent,

2. Photographic film processing material according to claim 1 whereinsaid matrix is an elongated strip wound in a cylindrical roll.

3. Photographic film processing material according to claim 2 whereinsaid boundary layer portion comprises matrix layers coextensive with anddirectly adjacent to both the front and rear surfaces of said strip.

4. Photographic film processing material according to claim 2 whereinsaid boundary layer portion comprises a matrix layer coextensive withand directly adjacent said front surface of said matrix strip, andincluding spacer sheet means coextensive with and contacting said rearsurface of said matrix strip.

5. Photographic film processing material according to claim 1 includingnon-compressible matrix support means including a bottom wall and sidewalls partially enclosing said matrix.

6. Photographic film processing material according to claim 5 whereinsaid matrix is an elongated strip including edge surfaces, said matrixsupport means comprises a flexible elongated band, said bottom wallsupports said rear surface of said matrix strip, said side walls coversaid edge surfaces of said matrix strip, and said matrix strip and saidsupport band are wound into a cylindrical roll.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,543,181 72/1951 Land 13X2,572,357 10/1951 Land 95-13 3,410,190 11/1968 Browning 95-89X 3,413,18111/1968 Goldhammer et a1. 96-76X SAMUEL S. MATTHEWS, Primary Examiner F.L. BRAUN, Assistant Examiner Us. :1. X.R. 96-50

